An electric vehicle isn't usually the first thing that pops into your mind when you're considering going off-road. Yet, more and more off-road capable EVs are finding their way to the market. When going off-road in your EV, you must consider a few things you might not have to worry about in a gasoline-powered car, like being mindful of your available range.

Let's take a look at the best EV off-roaders and what you should keep in mind when taking your EV off the beaten path.

1. Rivian R1T

There's absolutely no way to feature a list of the best EV off-roaders and not include the Rivian R1T. This truck was basically built for the zombie apocalypse. It has everything you need to go to the farthest corners of the wilderness and return safely. In terms of off-road capability, the Rivian would be right at home in a list of the world's best off-roaders period, regardless of being an EV. The technologically advanced R1T features what might potentially be the best AWD system in the automotive world.

The off-road juggernaut can be equipped with a quad-motor AWD system that, as the name suggests, features a motor powering each wheel. The possibilities are endless with this configuration, seeing as how the computer can split torque however it wants and send it to whatever wheel needs torque at the moment.

This is an ideal scenario for off-road situations, where wheel slip is your constant enemy. But, with the Rivian, that's almost a problem of the past, seeing as how the system can simply stop sending power to whichever motor is powering the wheel that's slipping while actively rerouting power to the wheel that needs it.

The closest thing to a system like this would be a vehicle equipped with a triple-locking differential (like the Mercedes G-Wagon), but even this system is a bit archaic compared to the Rivian's AWD. The R1T is also available with what Rivian calls a "reinforced underbody shield," which is vital to protect your vehicle's precious underside if you're serious about going rock crawling with your EV.

As if this wasn't enough, the Rivian also features an onboard air compressor which allows you to fill up your tires on the fly, especially if you had to air them down to navigate an especially rough patch of terrain. Are you suddenly hungry? Don't worry; the Rivian has you covered as well.

The R1T is available with a fully equipped kitchen that slides out of the famous Gear Tunnel. This kitchen is super convenient and even features a sink. How's that for overkill? Not only this, but the Rivian can be optioned with a Max pack battery which provides 400+ miles of range.

The large range afforded by the bigger battery is crucial when you're going off-roading. This is especially true because the battery will experience much quicker degradation if it's tackling steep rocky inclines, with the wheels constantly hunting for traction, especially during freezing conditions.

If you're also carrying a large payload on your bed while off-roading, it's a recipe for decreased range. This is all aggravated by the truck being extremely heavy and equipped with tons of underbody armor to protect the battery and components. The other problem is the lack of availability of charging stations in the wilderness, whereas, in a conventional off-roader, you can take backup fuel on your trip. While running out of range at the top of a mountain is dangerous, you can always use regenerative brakes to charge on the way down—wink, wink.

2. Tesla Cybertruck

Who knows when the Cybertruck will arrive (prospective launch 2023!), but hopefully, it does hit the market soon because it promises to be an absolute off-road monster. If the Cybertruck hits the market, the R1T will have some real competition for the king of the off-road EVs. In addition, the Cybertruck is nearly indestructible, so you don't need to worry about abusing its stainless steel sheet metal through a rough trail. Plus, it won't scratch easily.

The windows are also ready for the zombie apocalypse with Tesla armored glass, which is hopefully stouter than the one that famously broke on stage. Tesla also promises an onboard air compressor, which the Rivian already has and is extremely useful. The interesting part is that Tesla promises the truck will be able to tow over 14,000 lbs, which is more than the Rivian can pull. Another headline-grabbing number is the maximum range available on the Cybertruck, which Tesla says will be up to 500 miles.

This number also puts it over the Rivian and is essential in confidently heading off the beaten path. Whenever the Cybertruck is available, it will be interesting to see how the actual production model stacks up against the Rivian R1T and whatever other competition has made it to the market by that time.

3. Ford F-150 Lightning

Pickup trucks wouldn't normally dominate a list of the best off-roaders, but since EV pickups are the most off-road-worthy EVs currently, here's another one. The F-150 Lightning doesn't have the crazy, mind-bending off-road functionality of the R1T, but it won't get stuck any time soon.

For starters, the Lightning comes standard with dual-motor 4x4. You read that right; all the trim levels are equipped with the ability to power all four wheels. Ford was clearly trying to make sure you don't get stuck in its heavy EV. Another great feature of the F-150 Lightning that will help you off-road is the rear eLocking axle, which is Ford speak for a locking rear differential. This essentially locks the rear axle allowing the tires to spin at the same time out back.

If you're unfamiliar with locking differentials, this technology allows available torque to be distributed better and improves off-road prowess. Ford's intentions for this truck are quite clear when they outfit it with a locking rear differential as standard equipment across the range. The F-150 Lightning also has a gigantic frunk that lets you take all your camping goodies off-road, and it can even power your camping site with its onboard outlets.

The Lightning is available with Pro Power Onboard, which gives you access to a ridiculous 11 outlets (a combination of 12V outlets and USB ports). Not only this, but the Lightning is also available with a 240V outlet for the truck bed. Wherever your adventure takes you, you'll definitely be ready with this truck. The only downside is range, which even in its max configuration is around 320 miles, and that number will suffer when powering through steep snowy inclines.

EV Range Is Still the Problem

The biggest deterrent to taking your EV on a serious off-road adventure is still range, especially if you're tackling a steep mountain trail in frigidly cold conditions while blasting the heat. The fact that you don't have the convenience of taking backup fuel with you is also a deterrent to off-roading in an EV. Nonetheless, manufacturers will continue to figure these things out, especially by building more charging stations in remote locations.